Calgary man to walk 10 kilometres after more than a decade in a wheelchair
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Global News
15 minutes ago
- Global News
Some diners test positive for rare parasite after eating at popular Calgary-area restaurant
Alberta Health Services says there have been 235 people identified with symptoms of gastrointestinal illness — including 18 lab-confirmed cases of E. coli — after dining at the Saskatoon Farm, a popular Calgary-area restaurant about 20 minutes southeast of the city, earlier this month. AHS says two of those people have been hospitalized, although one has since been discharged. 'This E. coli that has been presumptively identified is an that's not normally found in treated drinking water — and if we see it, it's often a sign of some sort of contamination,' said AHS Medical Officer of Health Dr. Francesco Rizzuti, in a late Friday afternoon press conference. 'It can lead to gastrointestinal illness.' Rizzuti said three of the people who have tested positive for E. coli have also tested positive for a parasite called entamoa histolytitica, which can cause a severe gastrointestinal illness called amoebiasis weeks to months after infection. Story continues below advertisement While so far nobody has tested positive for amoebiasis, Rizutti said, 'in some severe cases (it) can lead to other infections outside of the stomach and GI tract — so heart, liver, lungs, very rare, but we do know it can happen.' Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Some of these are not immediate symptoms, but they can lead to serious illness, added Rizzuti. As a result, AHS will be asking more people to get tested, in case they have been infected by the parasite. Specifically, anyone who ate or consumed water or beverages at the restaurant between July 1 and 16, 2025 are being asked to call Healthlink (811) for more information , even if they haven't developed any symptoms of illness. That testing will take place after July 30 and Rizzuti said more information will be provided next week. AHS investigators have identified the farm's water system as the likely source of the outbreak. 'What we understand is that … there were some complaints of maybe unusual taste to the water around July 15 of 16,' said Rizzuti. 'We're continuing to investigate a number of samples — really trying to understand exactly what it is — but from what we've understood from talking with the site, interviews with these 235 individuals, the common thread that continues to come up is consumption of beverages, water, or food that was produced with water from that contaminated cistern.' Story continues below advertisement View image in full screen The Saskatoon Farm is located a 20 minute drive southeast of Calgary and is a popular destination for Saskatoon berry picking, a farmers market and restaurant. Global News The farm has since switched its water system to a different source and Rizzuti said testing by AHS has confirmed there is no contamination and it is safe for consumption. However, he said there is ongoing testing being done and the facility will remain closed until AHS public health inspectors and medical officers of health determine there is no ongoing risk to the public. 'The reopening plan is contingent on ensuring that there's a safe water supply — a sustainable water supply,' said Rizzuti. He's also asking anyone else who has been experiencing symptoms of gastrointestinal illness, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhea, to call Healthlink at 811 or their family health care provider immediately.
CTV News
37 minutes ago
- CTV News
Keep away from blue-green algae, warns GRCA
The Grand River Conservation Authority is warning swimmers and campers about the dangers of blue-green algae. They said a small bloom was spotted this week near the west side of Shand Dam at the Belwood Lake reservoir. Blue-green algae can be found in lakes, reservoirs and rivers. Sometimes, especially in the late summer and early fall, the bacteria can reproduce rapidly and form large blooms, also call mats or scums. The algae often appears like thick pea soup or spilled paint on the surface of the water. The smell has been compared to rotting garbage. blue green algae Examples of blue-green algae. (Source: GRCA) 'Blue-green algae thrive on nutrients from fields and lawns that find their way into local waterways and reservoirs during heavy rainfall and spring melts and cause their populations to grow rapidly,' the GRCA said in a media release. 'Some varieties of blue-green algae can produce toxins that are harmful to both people and pets.' While the bacteria was only found near the Shand Dam, it has, in the past, also been reported at Belwood Lake, Conestogo Lake, Guelph Lake, Woolwich reservoirs and Snyder's Flats. Signage has posted in those locations to let visitors know that they should avoid blue-green algae. The GRCA shared some safety tips for campers, swimmers, recreational users and cottagers: Keep children and pets away from the algae. Avoid contact with the algae. Do not eat fish from the lake. Do not use the water for drinking or any other purpose. Boaters and recreational users should avoid touching the algae. Don't swim in areas where you see scum.
CTV News
2 hours ago
- CTV News
More people in Sask. turning to air conditioners to avoid wildfire smoke indoors
As Saskatchewan summers become hazier with wildfires burning across the prairies, more people are turning to air conditioning to improve indoor air quality. 'We have been incredibly busy,' said Mike Shaw, the leader of operations at Centennial Plumbing, Heating and Electrical. 'We would love to recruit some more great people as service technicians.' Shaw says Centennial is having trouble keeping up with the number of calls for air conditioner installs this summer, as indoor air quality has become more of a concern, especially since air quality advisories have become common in the summer months. Respirologist Dr. Brianne Philipenko says in addition to avoiding strenuous outdoor activities, people who are sensitive to smoke or those who have underlying heart or lung conditions should keep their windows closed to preserve indoor air quality. 'The big thing we talk about when we're talking about wildfire smoke is PM (particulate matter) 2.5, which is a measurement of a particle that's in the air,' Philipenko said. 'The reason why it's particularly harmful is because it's so small, can settle deep in the lungs and cause inflammation and damage in the lungs because of that.' Shaw says more people are relying on air conditioners to keep air circulating during long stretches when windows remain closed. But air conditioning alone won't be enough to keep your home pollutant free. 'Along with your air conditioner, get a HEPA filter, or some type of carbon activated filter, that can eliminate the odor in your house,' Shaw said. 'Lots of filters will take out particles and large particles especially, but you need the carbon filter part to actually get rid of the odor.' HEPA, or High Efficiency Particulate Air filters are designed to be a more effective filter, with many companies advertising 99.97 per cent removal of airborne particles over 0.3 microns that go beyond what a typical furnace filter is capable of. 'It's a whole home system that as your air conditioning is running. It'll filter the air that comes from all the different areas of your house,' Shaw said. Philipenko says air quality sensors are available for purchase to keep a close eye on indoor air quality. Standalone air purifiers are another option to filter air. Shaw advises to shut down humidifiers, with the damper closed and the valve turned off in the summer months to avoid air conditioners from constantly running. Shaw said people often forget to regularly change out their furnace filter and regularly maintain their air conditioner, which will help reduce pollutants and increase the efficiency of your furnace system.
